Polybutene containing chewing gum and confection

Abstract

Chewing gum and confection compositions that inhibit the buildup of plaque and other debris on teeth, comprising polybutene with a molecular weight of 300 to about 3000. Upon its release from the gum or confection piece by chewing or dissolving the polybutene forms a protective coating on the hard tissue surfaces of the oral cavity and may, optionally, provide sustained release of a cosmetic and/or therapeutic active ingredient to deliver prolonged therapeutic, prophylactic and/or cosmetic benefits.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A chewing gum composition comprising: 
 (a) a polybutene component comprising polybutene with a molecular weight of about 300 to about 3000; and    (b) a chewing gum component comprising at least one carrier material.    
     
     
         2 . The chewing gum composition according to  claim 1  wherein the polybutene has a molecular weight of about 500 to about 2200.  
     
     
         3 . The chewing gum composition according to  claim 2  wherein the polybutene has a molecular weight of about 750 to about 1500.  
     
     
         4 . The chewing gum composition according to  claim 1  wherein the composition further comprises at least one cosmetic or therapeutic active.  
     
     
         5 . The chewing gum composition according to  claim 4  wherein the cosmetic or therapeutic active is selected from the group consisting of anti-calculus agents; fluoride ion sources; stannous ion sources; whitening agents; anti-microbial; anti-plaque agents; anti-inflammatory agents; nutrients; antioxidants; anti-viral agents; anti-fungal agents; analgesic and anesthetic agents; H-2 antagonists; components other than polybutene which impart a clean feel to the teeth; fragrances and sensates; pigments, dyes, lakes and colorants; flavorants; sweeteners; and mixtures thereof.  
     
     
         6 . The chewing gum composition according to  claim 5  wherein the cosmetic or therapeutic active is selected from the group consisting of triclosan, baking soda, sodium fluoride, sodium nitrate, potassium nitrate, nystatin, grapefruit seed extract, stannous fluoride, tetra sodium pyrophosphate, mono fluoro phosphate, Opatint D&C Red 27, polyphosphates, cetylpyridinium chloride and non steroidal anti-inflammatory agents.  
     
     
         7 . The chewing gum composition according to  claim 6 , wherein the polyphosphate is sodium hexametaphosphate.  
     
     
         8 . The chewing gum composition according to  claim 4 , where in the composition further comprises a viscosity modifier.  
     
     
         9 . The chewing gum composition according to  claim 1  wherein the carrier material is selected from the group consisting of gum bases, resins and plasticisers, elastomer solvents, waxes, abrasive polishing materials, fats, emulsifiers, softeners, bulking agents, sweeteners, flavorants, water, thickeners, humectants, opacifiers, xylitol, alkali metal bicarbonate salts and buffering agents.  
     
     
         10 . The chewing gum composition according to  claim 1 , wherein: 
 (a) the chewing gum component is an outer shell; and    (b) the polybutene component is a fill composition, encapsulated within said outer shell.    
     
     
         11 . A confection composition comprising: 
 (a) a polybutene component comprising polybutene with a molecular weight of about 300 to about 3000; and    (b) a confection component comprising at least one carrier material.    
     
     
         12 . The confection composition according to  claim 11  wherein the polybutene has a molecular weight of about 500 to about 2200.  
     
     
         13 . The confection composition according to  claim 12  wherein the polybutene has a molecular weight of about 750 to about 1500.  
     
     
         14 . The confection composition according to  claim 11  wherein the composition further comprises at least one cosmetic or therapeutic active.  
     
     
         15 . The confection composition according to  claim 14  wherein the cosmetic or therapeutic active is selected from the group consisting of anti-calculus agents; fluoride ion sources; stannous ion sources; whitening agents; anti-microbial; anti- plaque agents; anti-inflammatory agents; nutrients; antioxidants; anti-viral agents; anti-fungal agents; analgesic and anesthetic agents; H-2 antagonists; components other than polybutene which impart a clean feel to the teeth; fragrances and sensates; pigments, dyes, lakes and colorants; flavorants; sweeteners; and mixtures thereof.  
     
     
         16 . The confection composition according to  claim 15  wherein the cosmetic or therapeutic active is selected from the group consisting of triclosan, baking soda, sodium fluoride, sodium nitrate, potassium nitrate, nystatin, grapefruit seed extract, stannous fluoride, tetra sodium pyrophosphate, mono fluoro phosphate, Opatint D&C Red 27, polyphosphates, cetylpyridinium chloride and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents.  
     
     
         17 . The confection composition according to  claim 16 , wherein the polyphosphate is sodium hexametaphosphate.  
     
     
         18 . The confection composition according to  claim 14 , wherein the composition further comprises a viscosity modifier.  
     
     
         19 . The confection composition according to  claim 11  wherein the carrier material is selected from the group consisting of abrasive polishing materials, fats, emulsifiers, softeners, bulking agents, sweeteners, flavorants, water, thickeners, humectants, opacifiers, xylitol, alkali metal bicarbonate salts and buffering agents.  
     
     
         20 . The confection composition according to  claim 11 , wherein: 
 (a) the confection component is an outer shell; and    (b) the polybutene component is a fill composition, encapsulated within said outer shell.    
     
     
         21 . A method of coating the teeth and hard surfaces of the oral cavity by chewing a chewing gum composition comprising polybutene, wherein the polybutene has a molecular weight of about 300 to about 3000.  
     
     
         22 . A method of providing sustained release of therapeutic and cosmetic actives to the oral cavity by chewing a chewing gum composition comprising polybutene, wherein the polybutene has a molecular weight of about 300 to about 3000, and therapeutic and cosmetic actives.  
     
     
         23 . A method of inhibiting and preventing gingivitis, caries, staining, fungi, bacteria and plaque build up in the oral cavity by chewing a chewing gum composition comprising polybutene, wherein the polybutene has a molecular weight of about 300 to about 3000.  
     
     
         24 . A method of coating the teeth and hard surfaces of the oral cavity by consuming a confection composition comprising polybutene, wherein the polybutene has a molecular weight of about 300 to about 3000.  
     
     
         25 . A method of providing sustained release of therapeutic and cosmetic actives to the oral cavity by consuming a confection composition comprising polybutene, wherein the polybutene has a molecular weight of about 300 to about 3000, and therapeutic and cosmetic actives.  
     
     
         26 . A method of inhibiting and preventing gingivitis, caries, staining, fungi, bacteria and plaque build up in the oral cavity by consuming a confection composition comprising polybutene, wherein the polybutene has a molecular weight of about 300 to about 3000.